Comments

Trail Mail away... we put some goodies in the mail today to arrive for you and the guys (non-gender specific) in Killington. Enjoy and I beleive you have no idea of the good you are doing for so many people. 3tugs....

Hi Ben and crew, I would love it if I was there with you guys. Hope you are doing good. Last night we had a lizard in our house, that's funny huh. Have you seen any snakes? Stay away from bears. I hope you are safe when you are running. I am happy that you had a nice bed to sleep in at the Saddleback Inn. Do you like hotels? I do.
I have to go to bed, goodnight, love you!
Emily (7, Rockledge) he he

Hey Ben,

Ballyscrallywaps, keep it on the reallyraps, you have the best socks in the pallywacks.

Good luck man, we really respect what you're doing. We're definitely aligned with your cause. Jackson's is doing great and we can't wait to see you there.

Signed,

The Aligner and the Implementer

saw a red bird yesterday. smiles a mile wide!

The O'Leary family hopes you all had a good night in Andover.

would like to see you on roan mnt. nc.


ALS/MND Registry
http://www.patientslikeme.com/registry

MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/127622798

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=584421766

ALS News & Research http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6

My digg's News Profile Page for ALS/MND. http://digg.com/users/BBrannigan

Eric Lowen, diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2004.
http://www.lownav.com/


please watch video Learning to Fall (song) here.- each viewing generates a donation.
Learning to Fall
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/884613

Please watch Lowen & Navarro's video - each viewing generates a donation. This is folk music at its most powerful. Sing along.

http://www.lynncareysaylor.com/WeBelongVideo.html

Eric Lowen, diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in 2004.
http://www.lownav.com/


please watch video Learning to Fall (song) here.- each viewing generates a donation.
Learning to Fall
http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/884613

Please watch Lowen & Navarro's video - each viewing generates a donation. This is folk music at its most powerful. Sing along.

http://www.lynncareysaylor.com/WeBelongVideo.html

Good Luck Ben!
We will be there with you in spirit...
DSD
http://summitstonesadventuremusings.blogspot.com/

They say that when you affect one generation - you touch two others as well; the same can be said of people. Become a part of the 2175 Team by spreading word of this campaign! Email 1 friend, post a link on your website, MySpace and Facebook page. Reach out to your local paper, magazine, news anchor – invite them to join the community. Come out to the Trail, follow the Team online, donate $21.75…

Read about 2175 for ALS on GreatOutdoors.com - front and center!
http://www.greatoutdoors.com/

Hey Bro,
Hope all is well and my thoughts and prayers are with ya. Be careful and luv ya

Patches- I'm rooting for you! How awesome you are, thanks for doing this!!

Much Love,
Daniel

Much love and support out to you and your crew, Davis! You are amazing!

IT was great to "run" into you on Madison on the Cloudy Sunday Morning! You just came from the clouds... Keep up the pace man. God Speed. Jeff , Amber Dizie and Tessie( the Dogs)

IT was great to "run" into you on Madison on the Cloudy Sunday Morning! You just came from the clouds... Keep up the pace man. God Speed. Jeff , Amber Dizie and Tessie( the Dogs)

Hi! Ben =)
I hope you and your crew are doing well and having fun on your journey. You all are doing a great thing for those who have ALS. Bless your hearts for doing so. We miss you at Carlyle! Take care and see you later! "yeeeeeshh"

Rick:
Your package is on the way. Special made Jerky 2 flavors just for you guys. Keep up the good work. Be safe and have fun.
Simon

Your team is so inspiring! Rick, thank you for letting me know about your journey, and that you all for sharing it on your web page.
Some questions for you (I don't know if you can answer here) - are you on track of what your original plan mapped out? Mainly I want to know... will you be in my area on October 22 as planned before your hike?
Stay safe, take care of each other, and have a great time!
Carrie in Maryland

Ben & Rick- "CHASE WHAT MATTERS". Life is AMAZING. Keep up the good fight! Can't wait to catch up with you in PA>

"In the battle between the water and the stone, the water wins every time." The wise man appreciates both patience and persistence and savors the struggle. The easy way is travelled by many and affords few lessons. Never become discouraged in well doing.We are so proud of you guys.. love you.. we'll see you in a couple weeks in VA. Oh the places you'll go!!!

BD, RC>To echo the Irish blessing: 'May the road rise to meet you - and the wind be at your back'. You are making a difference in the world, one step at a time. Keep the faith - that is what will take us to the top of Mt. Springer...Onward ho!

WOW! I just read about your trek on the ALSA website in TN. I lost a very dear friend to ALS in 2004 and have become heavily involved with the newly formed Tennessee Chapter of the ALS Association. ALSA can make a huge difference in the quality of life for persons with ALS and we're all waiting for the day a cure eliminates the need for ALSA. Thank you so much for creating such awareness. We live very near the AT in east Tennessee. I'll keep up with our progress and pray for safe travels.

Hey Guys.. wow awesome video. There may not be anything on earth stronger than the power of the human spirit. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop and taking us on the journey with you. We love you guys. See you in Virginia. Trail Mail is on the way.

"i need to be on top of the mountain so i can see everything....."

Thank you for telling us your story! It has been very inspirational for all of us. Keep on going! We hope to meet you again at another time. We are all rooting for you guys! Life IS amazing!

Hey guys, you are doing awesome! We think of you often and with great pride. Stay strong, you have many people believing in you. Your Port Clinton, PA package arrived today...we hope you like the fun goodies inside!
With warm hugs and smiles- Jen, Mike, Garrett & Emily

Wow! You guys are making incredible progress. I got behind on some of the hero stories but caught up today. To say that I'm deeply moved by these amazing people is an understatement. We'll see you at the finish line in north Georgia!

You guys are getting close to Clarks Ferry . Remember to give me a call for a hot meal and a place to stay for the night. 717-648-7774

Hey Guys... Let me know when you will be around Peter's Mt. If you need to stock up on supplies have Ben send me a list of some items that you might need (FOOD). I was glad to hear that you all are doing great. Way to keep up the GREAT attitudes. Keep it up....:) LUV YA

While you are in the Harrisburg, Marysville, Boiling Springs area give me a call. I would like to run with you and would like to bring you stuff (including anything that you may need). 717-448-8610

I am so sad I didn't hear of your venture until today through a google alert for the appalachian trail. I would have been out there to support you when you came through the Duncannon, PA area. So in lieu of that I am sending a package to you in Pearisburg, VA.
Keep up the great work.
You are awesome.

Just heard of your run through the Trail Runner Magazine! http://www.trailrunnermag.com/news_detail.php?id=148

Good luck & I wish you the adventure of a lifetime.

I'm an ultrarunner & had a good friend pass away from ALS recently.
http://www.journalgroup.com/index.php?id=663&zem_contact_send_article=yes

Do me a favor and run a mile for Sensei Tim Formigan.

www.WillandJenni.blogspot.com

“Courage is being scared to death-but saddling up anyway.”

John Wayne

Go Ben! Go Rick!
Yeehaw

"Do or do not... there is no try."
"Always in motion is the future."
"Ohhh. Great warrior.Wars not make one great."

i heard a bit of this on sunday. i figured i'd look the little man up and read his insights.
take each as you please.
i love you boys. until next time...

Still keeping track! "Chase What Matters" Stay in touch.

Ben & Rick,

Two quotes for you - keep it up!

Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi

When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.
Helen Keller

Wow, Ben and Rick, it's awesome what you're doing! Just found out about it on the Blue Ridge Outdoors website. I have an old college housemate that was diagnosed with ALS close to 20 yrs ago....he's one of the longest survivors that I know of. He and his family (wife and 2 boys in high school) are truly amazing and an inspiration to all who know them. They just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this month. Please keep him and his family in mind on your trek. His name is Terry. God bless you and this endeavor........

I'm out here in altrec.com country and heard about you all through a friend. Keep up the incredible work!

A Must Read: George Vecsey's NYTimes piece, "Fighting a Disease to Honor a Ledgend" (11/8) highlights Michael Goldsmith, BYU law professor, fighting ALS. Also mentioned in the article is our very own, Ben Davis & Rick Cheever - who spoke with Vecsey earlier this week!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/08/sports/baseball/08vecsey.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

THANK YOU for honoring my brother today. I am a proud 'little sister' :o)

Since I was unable to get to VA for the visit you all have planned, I will spend part of the day sending out the link to your site to everyone in my address book!

You're on the 'downhill' stretch now. Can't wait to read that you have crossed the finish line...

I just heard about this today--I can't tell you how grateful I am for what you are doing. God bless all of you for your selflessness.

It is wonderful to see the blessing that Dan has brought to so many and the light that he shows still on the mission to help others that have been effected by ALS, he is a inspiration to many in all walks of life.

God Bless

Rick and Ben: It was a pleasure to meet both of you guys in person, and special thanks to Camila for her hard work behind the scenes passing along info and updates. Dan's smile was extra wide when you were visiting, and you left behind memories that he, and we, will always cherish. As you move along the trail towards your goal, know that you have many friends here in the Roanoke Valley who honor your spirit as well as your mission. We'll be a small part of the many who are always at your side, with you every step of your journey.

BEN-God Bless You!! While running by Blacksburg, please tip your hat for my "HOKIE" son, Brian Nikolich, BS Civil Engineering-1995. Brian was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2007 and presently lives in Simpsonville, SC, with his wife and 2 children. Check out www.caringbridge.org/visit/hokiebrian. To me, you, Rick, Dan, Brian and other people like you are truly "Earth Angels!"
Together we will beat ALS!!

er doc- have an amazing day today! thinking of you.

couple more days till roan mountain at carvers gap. north carolina, tennessee line.
i would like to meet you guys and snap some pictures of us together.
some where thru here, give or take a day from roan mountain.
email me robertb@mitchell.main.nc.us

Bobby Brannigan
dx/94/ALS
spruce pine nc




ALS/MND Registry
http://www.patientslikeme.com/registry

Patients like me.
http://www.patientslikeme.com


MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/127622798

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=584421766

ALS News & Research http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=6

ALS Matters.org
http://www.alsmatters.org

I came across this quote today that seems so fitting... "Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and the glory of the climb". Sir Winston Churchill.
Though the AT may come to an end in Georgia, the journey never will. Keep the focus on the good things, enjoy the fight and revel in the accomplishment. There is no end to the good you have done.. and now consider this; it's just the beginning. Love You!!!

Ben... You are an Animal!!!!.. Unbelievable effort... amazing numbers, amazing focus, amazing results and an amazing outcome. Never underestimate the power of the human spirit... "Oh the places you'll go" and to quote Matt.. "it's all about starting line." We are humbled by your commitment and effort.

Ben,
My life has been forever changed by what you are doing. I know that my life is not the only life impacted by this ground-breaking feat you have undertaken to raise 1 Million dollars for ALS. I know it will happen and I believe in you and your one in a million team. I am so excited to have been able to help you on your journey. You are simply amazing! I am proud to be witnessing you "Defy Gravity"
May their stories be heard! May they live in our hearts! May all of us as humans unite to simply donate $1 for ALS.
The way it ought to be!
Chase what matters!
Much love always!
-ER Doc-

Panel: 1 in 4 Gulf War vets are sick
Report blames exposure to toxic chemicals and other causes, demands more research and spending.

By Anne Usher
WASHINGTON BUREAU
Monday, November 17, 2008


WASHINGTON — At least one in four U.S. veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suffers from a multisymptom illness caused by exposure to toxic chemicals during the conflict, says a congressionally mandated report that is being released today.

For most of the past 17 years, government officials said that the health problems of the veterans — more than 175,000 out of about 697,000 deployed — were the effects of wartime stress, even as more people have come forward with severe ailments.

"The extensive body of scientific research now available consistently indicates that 'Gulf War illness' is real, that it is the result of neurotoxic exposures during Gulf War deployment, and that few veterans have recovered or substantially improved with time," says the report from a panel of scientists and veterans. A copy was obtained by Cox Newspapers.

The panel said in a 2004 draft report that many of the veterans were suffering from neurological damage and pointed to toxic chemicals as a possible cause. The new report goes further by pinpointing known causes, and it criticizes past U.S. studies, which have cost more than $340 million, as "overly simplistic and compartmentalized."

The panel is urging Congress to spend at least $60 million annually on research. It notes that no effective treatments have been found.

Two things that the military provided to troops in large quantities to protect them in combat — pesticides and pyridostigmine bromide tablets, aimed at thwarting the effects of nerve gas — are the most likely culprits, the panel found.

Gulf War illness is typically characterized by a combination of memory and concentration problems, persistent headaches, unexplained fatigue and widespread pain. It may also include chronic digestive problems, respiratory symptoms and rashes.

The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses, created by Congress in 1998 , will present the 450-page report to Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Peake. The panel said its report is the first to review the hundreds of U.S. and international studies on Gulf War veterans conducted since the mid-1990s.

It recommends that the Department of Veterans Affairs order a redo of past Gulf War health reports, calling them "skewed" because they did not include evaluations of toxic exposure studies in laboratory animals, as Congress had requested. The panel examined such tests and notes that recent ones have identified biological effects from Gulf War exposures that were previously unknown.

Although the report calls some new VA and Defense Department programs promising, it notes that overall federal funding for Gulf War research has dropped sharply in recent years. The studies that have been funded, it says, "have little or no relevance to the health of Gulf War veterans."

The report also faults the Pentagon, saying that it clearly recognized scientific evidence substantiating Gulf War illness in 2001 but did not acknowledge it publicly.

"The VA has accepted and implemented prior recommendations of the committee and values the work represented in the report presented today," said press secretary Alison Aiekele. "Secretary Peake thanked the committee for its report and recommendations and directed VA to review and respond to the committee's recommendations in the near future."

The panel focused its research on comparing the brains and nervous systems of healthy adults with those of sick Gulf War veterans, as well as analyzing changes to the neuroendocrine and immune systems. It found that in terms of brain function, exposure to pesticides and the pyridostigmine bromide pills is damaging to memory, attention and mood. Some people, it notes, are genetically more susceptible to exposure than others.

About half of Gulf War personnel are thought to have taken the tablets during deployment, with the greatest use among ground troops and those in forward positions. Many veterans say they were forced to take the pills, which had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some say they fell ill immediately.

"Many of us got sick from the pills," said retired Staff Sgt. Anthony Hardie, a Wisconsin native who was with a multinational unit that crossed from Saudi Arabia into Kuwait and then Iraq. He said he was required to take them for several weeks and soon had watery eyes and vision problems, diarrhea, muscle twitching and a runny nose. A fellow special operations forces officer, he said, lost about 20 pounds.

To ward off sand flies in Kuwait City and the eastern Saudi province of Dhahran, Hardie said, trucks would come through at 3 a.m. and spray "clouds" of pesticides.

"The pesticide use was far and away (more) than what you'd see in daily life," he said.

Several soldiers who were interviewed said they were ordered to dunk their uniforms in the pesticide DEET and to spray pesticide on exposed skin and in their boots to ward off scorpions.

The federal panel also said it could not rule out an association between Gulf War illness and the prolonged exposure to oil fires, as well as low-level exposures to nerve agents, injections of many vaccines and combinations of neurotoxic exposures.

Retired Sgt. Randy Stamm of Mesquite was among the 100,000 U.S. troops who may have been exposed to low levels of sarin gas as a result of large-scale U.S. demolitions of Iraqi munitions near Khamisiyah in 1991. Troops who were downwind from the demolitions have died from brain cancer at twice the rate of other Gulf War veterans, the report says.

His unit was nearby during the demolitions and near the burning oil fires for 31\/2 months. He said he took the pyridostigmine bromide pills for more than a month.

Stamm now takes 63 pills a day to treat health problems that include gastritis and esophagitis.

"My intestinal system is hosed," he said, adding that he is losing vision in his right eye. "I lost eight wives because of this."

A panel member, Dr. Roberta White, chairwoman of environmental health at the Boston University School of Public Health, found evidence last year that links low-level exposure to nerve gas among Gulf War troops with lasting brain problems. The extent of the deficits — less brain "white matter" and reduced cognitive function — corresponded to the extent of the exposure.

In addition, the panel said, Gulf War veterans have significantly higher rates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, than other veterans.

White said that although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence of Gulf War veterans contracting multiple sclerosis, studies haven't confirmed a combat link to that degenerative disease. Questions also remain about rates of cancers, disease-specific mortality rates in veterans and the health of their children.

Conversely, the panel said, little evidence supports an association or major link with depleted uranium, anthrax vaccine, fuels, solvents, sand and particulates, infectious diseases or chemical agent-resistant coatings.

That veterans' complaints are still repeatedly met with cynicism, White said, "upsets me as a scientist, as someone who cares about veterans."



http://www.statesman.com/news/conten...17gulfwar.html
__________________

I WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH ALS AND AM READY TO FIGHT THE BATTLE. JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING. GODS BLESS YOU! JC

Hi Ben, my husband and I are friends with your parents in Florida. We'd like to donate to your cause, and more than $1.00! How can we do this?
cob@cfl.rr.com

man, you guys are on a mission!!!!!! Ben, you and Rick are really movin. Just remember "one foot after the other." I am proud of what you're doin. Finish strong.

I am honored to be selected as one of the ALS Heroes for this remarkable journey, although I think the "true heroes" are the people living with ALS and their caregivers. People like Rick and Ben are truly inspiring and should be applauded for their dedication to this awful disease. I know their travels do not include Florida, I am disappointed that I will not have the chance to meet them in person.

Thanks for your support,
Ken P.

Ben, Each and every day I sit on this site, reading the commentary, looking at the latest photos, and sending you all of the love, energy and admiration in my soul. You have all of us dashing through that terrain on your shoulders, whispering encouragement in your ear and counting the minutes until we can hold and hug you and tell you face to face how much we love you and what awe and inspiration you have provided to us and the world. I love you my precious boy. See you soon. Mom

Ben, you are truely an inspiration! I heard of this amazing mission of yours through a friend of mine diagnosed with ALS. I am humbled by your efforts to help others in such an inspiring way and hope to one day make a difference as you truely are here and now. Good luck on your mission. Thank you for being such a hero to us all.

I am honored to be selected as one of the ALS Heroes for this remarkable journey, although I think the "true heroes" are the people living with ALS and their caregivers. People like Rick and Ben are truly inspiring and should be applauded for their dedication to this awful disease. I know their travels do not include Florida, I am disappointed that I will not have the chance to meet them in person.

Thanks for your support,
Ken P.

Congratulations and Thank You! 2,175 miles closer to a cure. You've raised awareness, funding and spirits every step of the way. Kudos to your sponsors for realizing what an important cause this is and for stepping up, in whatever way they could.
It's a very cool and inspiring thing, to see people using their lives in a meaningful way, to honor and help others. This is what the world needs now, but especially the community affected by this horrible disease.
ALS has gone under the radar for far to long, but finally- we are starting to see major strides. You just took 2,175 of them in a huge way.
Thank you big time and have a safe and warm rest of trip.
Michele

Guys!You all are on a mission and you are our heros! Always in our heart, GODS BLESS YOU

Together, we are much more stronger

I hope you guys know how much we CALS and PALS appreciate what you are doing. As you get one step closer to your goal, we get one step closer to a cause and cure. There are no words to thank you, but you carry our love and admiration with you on every step of your journey. My twin brother, Mark and I , along with our care team are following you with grateful admiration.

Thanks to our long-time friend and personal hero Bobby Brannigan for letting us know about you.

Great site ! Thanks for spotlighting Bobby ... he's a force of nature on the ALS awareness front.

WOW! I am AMAZED!!! I am so proud of u for raising awareness of ALS and for your ability to ENDURE such a long trail!
Kudos, Bravo, excellent and wa-hoo!

2 months and going strong. i love it! sorry i've been out of the loop, tons happening with school and life. thinking of you constantly. much love- :)

Hello Bobby.
You are inspiration for me.
Really you are a Hero.
Best Wishes
Esther from Spñain

I love the PLM Site originated by the Heywoods

Hey Bro! Scott Abby and I wanna come welcome you at the finishline tomorrow. Let us know some approx eta, like what time you usally finish at the end of the day! Love ya!
Faith

It meant such a lot in the week of the second anniversary of Stephen's death to have you mention him as Today's Hero on November 20 and to know that you have been hiking for those with ALS, who are all heroes. He would have loved to have met you! Thank you.

I came upon your site today (Sunday, November 23, 2008). What amazing individuals you are for taking on such an adventure for ALS! My younger sister was diagnosed one year ago (Dec. 17) and it is so encouraging to see you remembering the lives of those affected with ALS. You're almost there! God Bless You.

Rick,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you your entire journey. You and your ALS Heroes stories are truly AMAZING and INSPIRING!

67 miles left until Springer Mountain! We expect Ben to reach the peak between 10 AM and 12 Noon TOMORROW! Stay Tuned!

Guys- Scott, Abby and I are packing up now to head to N GA to try and meet up with ya! Cant wait to see ya!

Thank you so much - you guys are really having an impact

Team 2175, we are all touched by your strength and determination. Take Care and Be Safe! THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!

fellas, job well done!
can't wait to kick it.
safe travels and happy thanksgiving!
my thoughts are with you.

To the Extended 2175 for ALS Team: Your support has been incredible - thank you so much. Ben and Rick are projected to reach Springer by Sunset! Stay Tuned to the Homepage for Updates from Tom, Ben's Dad... Embrace the DAY*

Hey Ben,
Congratulations! You're amazing! Enjoy the much deserve rest with the family and Happy Thanksgiving!
:) Debbie

Hey Ben and Rick,
I'm delaying my daily walk in VA so I can go out with you guys later, albeit a few hundred miles removed. I'll take the urban trail built in part by Dan Wright's labor, past the trailhead bearing his name. So Dan and I are still with you today! Congratulations and have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Ben and Rick
Guy great job!!! I am glad to see that everything went off without a hitch. I am proud of both you and cant wait to hear all your stories of the "wild". Again great job and I am proud of both of you!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! I've been following the updates and cannot imagine how you must feel after such an accomplishment. You're incredible!

Congratulations! What an incredible journey for such a great cause. I am in awe and wonder of your accomplishments. The support system around you is such a blessing.
xoxo Carrie

CONGRATULATIONS!

thank you for this awareness for ALS

Thanks everyone for making Stephen Heywood a hero last week. Today marks two years since he passed away and I am so thankful for the spirit and joy in your Website! Stephen would love it!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wendy Heywood

I would like to know more about your mission and I support your brave and selfless means to insure what ALS is be heard. I read the article in the Burlington Free Press today and wanted you to know that we too are trying to find ways to help the Pals and their Cals here in VT. I lost my Husband Jeff Goyette 39 months ago to bulbar ALS - Jeff was just 52. I continue to find ways to help raise awareness and support every day if possible. If there is anything I can do to help do let me know. You are an inspiration to me and your act reminds me how important our actions and voices are in with making the public aware of ALS. God Bless
Deb

I too read your article in the Burlington Free Press. My hero is Michael Goldsmith who has been dealing with ALS for some time now. His "My Turn" in a recent newsweek was wonderful - a great read.(http://www.newsweek.com/id/166832)

Mickey's outlook on life is truly inspiring. He continues to teach law school at BYU, and stay active every day. Nothing has impaired or diminished his remarkable sense of humor.

Your dedication and committment to your friends is indeed inspirational.

Congratulation! Your event was successful as planned and the theme was another great message for ALS. Many Thanks